Animal Keeper

Smithsonian\s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Animal Keeper

The Smithsonian\s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is currently seeking qualified applicants to fill multiple Animal Keeper vacancies across several animal management units. These positions support the Zoo\s mission of providing exceptional animal care, advancing conservation efforts, and delivering engaging visitor experiences.

This vacancy announcement will be used to fill current and future openings in various animal areas throughout the Zoo. Assignments may include, but are not limited to:

• Felids and Other Carnivores

• Small Mammals

• Pinnipeds

• Commissary

• Other animal collections and zoological units as operational needs require

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated animal care professional who demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to safety, strong observational skills, sound judgment, accountability, a commitment to animal welfare, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment. Experience at an AZA-accredited institution and familiarity with modern behavioral husbandry practices, positive reinforcement training, and conservation-focused animal management programs are highly desirable.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Candidates will be evaluated based on demonstrated experience in the following areas:

Animal Care Procedures

• Providing daily husbandry, feeding, cleaning, exhibit maintenance, monitoring, and health observations for animal collections.

• Following established protocols for animal welfare, sanitation, nutrition, and safety.

Animal Enrichment

• Developing, implementing, and evaluating enrichment programs that encourage species-appropriate behaviors and support animal well-being.

• Utilizing enrichment as a tool to enhance physical and psychological welfare.

Conducting Animal Demonstrations and Public Engagement

• Communicating effectively with visitors, guests, volunteers, and staff.

• Participating in formal or informal animal presentations, keeper talks, demonstrations, or educational programs that advance conservation messaging and public understanding.

Behavioral Husbandry

• Participating in animal training and behavioral management programs using positive reinforcement and operant conditioning techniques.

• Assisting with animal introductions, breeding programs, medical training, and cooperative husbandry behaviors.

Monitoring Animal Behavior

• Observing and documenting animal behavior, including feeding activity, social interactions, breeding behavior, nesting behavior, maternal care, and behavioral indicators of health and welfare.

• Reporting observations accurately and utilizing behavioral data to support animal management decisions.

Commissary Operations and Animal Nutrition Support

• Receiving training in the measurement, preparation, and handling of animal diets while maintaining sanitary conditions in food preparation, storage, and distribution areas.

• Assisting with the unloading, inspection, storage, and rotation of food supplies to ensure quality and compliance with food safety standards.

• Preparing animal diets according to established nutritional guidelines, recipes, and standard operating procedures under supervision.

• Assembling diets in properly labeled containers and distributing or issuing food, supplements, forage, and related materials to animal care staff in a timely and accurate manner.

• Maintaining inventory records and assisting with stock management to ensure adequate supplies are available to support animal care operations.

Experience Required

Qualifications and Selection Criteria •The successful applicant must demonstrate the ability to perform professional animal husbandry duties with limited supervision while maintaining high standards of animal welfare, safety, and visitor engagement. •Applicants should highlight experience and accomplishments in the following areas: Minimum Qualifications •Demonstrated ability to work independently and carry out assigned responsibilities with minimal supervision. •Experience providing daily care and husbandry for a variety of animal species in a zoological, aquarium, wildlife, agricultural, laboratory animal, or related animal care setting. •Ability to observe, assess, and respond appropriately to animal health, welfare, and behavioral concerns. •Ability to maintain accurate records and communicate effectively with supervisors, veterinary staff, and colleagues. •Ability to perform physically demanding work in indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.

How to Apply

Applications for the Animal Keeper positions are accepted through the official USAJOBS portal. To apply, visit the job announcement at USAJOBS - Job Announcement and click "Apply Online" in the upper right corner of the page.

Your application package must include:

• Resume - No more than two pages. Clearly describe your relevant experience, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Avoid copying language directly from the vacancy announcement; instead, use descriptive examples of your actual work.

• Veterans' preference documentation - DD214 (Member 4 Copy) and, if applicable, SF‑15 and VA letter.

• Proof of U.S. accreditation - If you completed education abroad.

All materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 11/18/2026.

Helpful Hints for Applying via USAJOBS

• Create or update your USAJOBS profile before starting the application. Ensure your contact information and work history are current.

• Tailor your resume to the position. Use measurable achievements and specific examples that demonstrate your experience with animal care, team leadership, and conservation programs.

• Preview the questionnaire in the job posting to understand what competencies will be assessed.

• Upload documents early - USAJOBS can time out if attachments are large or your session expires.

• Save a PDF copy of your completed application for your records.

• Track your status by logging into your USAJOBS account and selecting "My Applications." You'll also receive email updates from the Smithsonian as your application moves through review stages.

• Be concise and accurate - Overstating qualifications or copying announcement text may result in disqualification.

• Check Smithsonian's application tips at si.edu/OHR/howtoapply for additional guidance.

Smithsonian\s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Washinton, DC 20008

Phone: 202-633-3247

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